Chapter 134

"This article has nothing to do with me."

Evelyn Sinclair's voice was clear and firm.

The air in the conference room instantly froze.

William Yearwood's eyes widened in disbelief—how dare Evelyn lie to his face?

Penelope Pope's face flushed red, her fingers clutching the hem of her blouse.

Nathan Carter and the others exchanged glances, shaking their heads discreetly.

Ethan Miller was the first to speak up. "Ms. Sinclair, Lord Alex just wants to clarify the facts."

Penelope trembled with rage.

No consequences?

What was that murderous look in Alexander Kingsley's eyes just now?

Ethan shrugged.

Of course Lord Alex wouldn't hold Evelyn accountable. As for everyone else... good luck.

"I didn't write it," Evelyn said calmly. "Wasn't Penelope proud of this article before? Why push the blame onto me now that there's trouble?"

She chuckled. "Since when did Horizon Media adopt a blame-shifting culture?"

"I—" Beads of sweat formed on Penelope's forehead. "I wasn't feeling well that day, so I asked Evelyn to cover the interview for me. The article was based on her notes, so of course it had my byline."

Nathan raised an eyebrow. "Just now you claimed Evelyn wrote it. Changed your story already?"

Ethan slammed the table. "Is this how Horizon treats people? You take credit for the good work and dump the scandals on Evelyn?"

Penelope turned deathly pale, her lips trembling.

"Enough," Alexander cut in coldly. "Ethan, you're talking too much."

Ethan shut his mouth, aggrieved.

Why was it fine when Nathan defended Evelyn, but he got scolded?

"Ms. Sinclair," Alexander's gaze sharpened. "You claim you didn't write it. Do you have proof?"

Evelyn nearly laughed. "Do I need to prove I never interviewed you, Mr. Kingsley?"

She tilted her head. "The burden of proof lies with the accuser. If you say I wrote it, show me the evidence."

A flicker of amusement flashed in Alexander's eyes.

Julian Ashford couldn't suppress a quiet chuckle.

Penelope jumped in desperately. "I have proof! I called Evelyn to assign the interview—the call log is still there!"

Evelyn feigned surprise. "Penelope, Horizon never secured the interview rights. You sent me anyway?"

"I—"

"You did call me, but perhaps you should recall what was actually said?" Evelyn prompted kindly.

Penelope looked as if she'd been struck by lightning.

What had she just blurted out in panic?

Sending Evelyn without authorization—wasn't that an obvious setup?

Cold sweat drenched her back.

"Oh," Evelyn added casually, "Penelope mentioned going to the hospital that day. Do you have the medical receipt?"

Penelope's legs nearly gave out.

What receipt? Her stomachache had been an excuse!

Evelyn shook her head and fell silent.

The truth was already crystal clear.

Now Penelope genuinely felt sick to her stomach.

She'd thought pinning this on Evelyn would save her, never expecting the other woman to be prepared.

Melissa Lee's carefully laid trap had crumbled effortlessly before Evelyn.

"So," Evelyn concluded, "Penelope never sent me to the interview, and I never wrote the article. As for its origin—"

"It was you who gave it to me!" Penelope blurted.

"Proof?" Evelyn countered.

"Melissa can confirm! You emailed it to her first!"

Evelyn nodded agreeably. "Then let's check the inbox."

Penelope's heart sank.

Evelyn was far too composed.

William grimaced and called Melissa on speakerphone.

"What really happened with that article?"

Melissa's hesitant voice crackled through. "At the time... to leave no trail... I had her recall the email... and emptied the drafts..."

Dead silence filled the room.